Hawaii became the 12th state to ban "conversion therapy" for LGBTQ minors.

After signing the bill into law, the governor of Hawaii David Ige said:

“Sexual orientation is not an illness to be cured. We accept you and love you just the way you are.

“Overwhelming scientific research has shown that 'conversion therapy' is not effective and frequently has lasting, harmful psychological impacts on minors. This practice is neither medically or ethically appropriate.

“It can leave LGBT teenagers with feelings of isolation, depression, and hopelessness.

“Conversion therapy has absolutely no place here in our lovely islands.”

This new law, Act 13, will come into effect on July 1st. It will prevent psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and marriage and family therapists from attempting to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of an LGBTQ minor through "conversion therapy".

Also note that it establishes a temporary sexual orientation task force in the state Health Department to address concerns from minors who see counseling on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, as reports by Hawaii News Now.

Trevor Project CEO Amit Paley praised Hawaii's decision via a press release: “We’re seeing significant momentum to protect LGBTQ youth from the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy, and The Trevor Project calls on even more states to join Hawaii in banning this barbaric practice.”

Washington Senate has passed a bill that would prohibit the practice of gay "cure" therapies for minors in the state.

The Senate approved SB 5722 and we are now waiting for the House's vote.

HRC welcomed Senate's decision: "No child should ever be subjected to the dangerous and barbaric practice of conversion therapy. It amounts to nothing more than child abuse," said HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse.

“We applaud the Washington State Senate for voting to protect the Evergreen State’s LGBTQ youth. It is crucial that the Washington House of Representatives quickly pass the measure.”

If the state of Washington bans gay "cure" therapies, it would join Connecticut, California, Nevada, District of Columbia, Oregon, Illinois, Vermont, New York, New Mexico and Rhode Island.